hist2004
06-10-2004, 10:11 AM
The French Commando School is 3 weeks in duration. Although this may seem like a short period of training
compared to other courses of this nature, it is an "intense" 3 weeks. Subjects covered are numerous timed
obstacle and confidence courses both with and without equipment. There is a section on weapons, land navigation,
graded patrols and raids (including nighttime raids). The students are taught about various explosives such as C4,
field expedient, and shaped charges. Instruction is given on ****y traps, anti-tank weapons, unarmed combat,
how to construct rope bridges. Students are also introduced to rock climbing, rappelling, both in mountain and urban
terrain. There is a section on waterborne operations, using Zodiac boats, helocasting and swimming. POW/SERE and
first aid is also covered.
In order to start the course, students are required to take a test to ensure they can meet the physical demands of
the commando school. The tests involve pushups, sit-ups, pull-ups, squats, an upper-body rope climb and a 200-meter
swim with a rifle. The students are broken down into 9-man squads with teamwork being the order of the day. The
obstacles courses are designed so that every member of a squad is needed to complete it. Mountain obstacle tracks are
eight-part objective courses that must be finished together as a squad. A portion of the course is an individual track,
called "Hells Way," and it is built into the side of a mountain with pipes, wires and ropes leading to the eight different
objectives. It is designed to challenge an individuals fear of heights. Live-fire exercises are conducted various ranges
and beaches. Some exercises involved mock medical evacuations by vehicle and helicopter, while the squads
provide suppressive fire on the nearby range. The consensus from students is that it is a very challenging and informative
period of instruction.
Regards,
Hist2004
compared to other courses of this nature, it is an "intense" 3 weeks. Subjects covered are numerous timed
obstacle and confidence courses both with and without equipment. There is a section on weapons, land navigation,
graded patrols and raids (including nighttime raids). The students are taught about various explosives such as C4,
field expedient, and shaped charges. Instruction is given on ****y traps, anti-tank weapons, unarmed combat,
how to construct rope bridges. Students are also introduced to rock climbing, rappelling, both in mountain and urban
terrain. There is a section on waterborne operations, using Zodiac boats, helocasting and swimming. POW/SERE and
first aid is also covered.
In order to start the course, students are required to take a test to ensure they can meet the physical demands of
the commando school. The tests involve pushups, sit-ups, pull-ups, squats, an upper-body rope climb and a 200-meter
swim with a rifle. The students are broken down into 9-man squads with teamwork being the order of the day. The
obstacles courses are designed so that every member of a squad is needed to complete it. Mountain obstacle tracks are
eight-part objective courses that must be finished together as a squad. A portion of the course is an individual track,
called "Hells Way," and it is built into the side of a mountain with pipes, wires and ropes leading to the eight different
objectives. It is designed to challenge an individuals fear of heights. Live-fire exercises are conducted various ranges
and beaches. Some exercises involved mock medical evacuations by vehicle and helicopter, while the squads
provide suppressive fire on the nearby range. The consensus from students is that it is a very challenging and informative
period of instruction.
Regards,
Hist2004